Attaching Accessories

[Rachael_243]

Hi,
Just wondering how people prefer to attach accessories to their BCD?
I want to attach my torch and small camera to my BCD so that they are secure but easily accessible. I have until now used a wrist lanyard but find this doesn't work well when existing/entering a boat.
Thanks in advance!

 

[saxman242]

Bolt-snap to d-ring

 

[TMHeimer]

I just use the usual types of clips on the D rings. My wife fashioned up a way to attach my main light that involves a bungee. She is more mechanically inclined than me.

 

[Steve_C]

Careful with the manufacturer wrist strap on point and shoot cameras. I used to use them until I lost a camera on a bouncy safety stop. Now I use something more substantial.

 

[Bowers]

I put swivel snaps on all my stuff and clip them onto d rings. The more dangly items can be tucked into a bungee loop as well. Look up the tec/dir setups and you’ll find some examples of easy to access and streamlined gear.

 

[JackOfDiamonds]

depends on what you are trying to attach, most of the times a bolt snap will do the job

 

[Rachael_243]

Has anyone had experience with retractable lines? I like the idea of my torch and camera being attached to my BCD at all times whereas with a simple bolt snap to d-ring I'll have to unclip to use. However, I'm also concerned that there are then two potential failure points - 1 where the retractor attaches to the BCD and a second where is attaches to my camera. Any thoughts?

 

[ToneNQ]

Previously I carried my little backup light on a retractable wire lanyard. It was handy but it was also a really poor attachment to the light and eventually the retraction spring failed. These days I use a bolt snap on the light, then a neoprene wrist mount that I slide the light into for use.

My camera is on a springy coil lanyard like below. I'd attach it my d-ring with the short strap clicked. Once the dive is underway I release the clip and the coil lanyard keeps it attached but moveable. Then clip it back together on the ascent to keep it close. I only carry it on single tank dives, and if possible I like to hand it up to the DM.

 

[Steve_C]

I also use retractable lines on the camera. It is hooked on as soon as the crew hands it to me in the water and stays attached until I pass it up.

I have light on a short cord, say 10 inches, then a bolt snap. They are kept in a pocket but when I take them out to use I snap them on the BCD. Cord is short enough that I can let loose of light if I need to but long enough to see what I need. Go back into pocket when done.

 

[ljwillia]

Hi-

I have a Zena. No pockets so I use clips and retractable lines for everything. I hate having anything dangling. I have a velcro pouch (similar to this one) attached to my BC. My torch is on a tractable clip at the bottom of the pouch. It's easy to get to and easy to re-store when I'm not using it. No dangling.

I also have my computer (pro plus) on a retractable. Since the Zena doesn't have a cummerbund no place to tuck it.